ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Cabinet
Cabinet approves grant of medical facilities under Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme  to World War-II Veterans, Emergency Commissioned Officers , Short Service Commissioned Officers  and pre-mature retirees
More than 40,000 individual to be benefitted
The Cabinet Meeting Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today approved the grant of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme  facilities to World War-II Veterans, Emergency Commissioned Officers , Short Service Commissioned Officers  and pre-mature retirees.
As a result, over 43,000 individuals not covered so far under ECHS will be able to avail the benefits of cashless medical treatment under ECHS facilities through a network of over 425 ECHS polyclinics, over 2500 empanelled private hospitals and all Government hospitals throughout the country, subject to certain conditions.
As a special dispensation, war-widows will be exempt from one-time contribution to join ECHS.
Launched by NDA Government in April 2003, ECHS provides quality medicare to 54 lakh ex-servicemen pensioners, their dependents and a few other categories.
Measures for welfare of Ex-Servicemen:
Today's decision is yet another landmark step in the pro-active policies of the Government since its very first days for welfare of our valiant ex-servicemen, who rendered valuable service to the country.
Implementation of 'One Rank One Pension' for ex-servicemen, a demand which had been pending for over four decades, has resulted in over 20 lakh ex-servicemen receiving more thanRs. 35,000 Crore under the scheme. Other welfare measures by the Government for ex-servicemen include increase in pension by 40%, disability pension for pre-mature retirees, applicability of battle causality compensation at Line of Actual Control, Line of Control and International Border, financial assistance to soldiers on their supreme sacrifice through newly created Army Battle Causalities Welfare Fund, enhancement of ex-gratia ad-hoc allowance, Special Pension to Ex-sailors and skill development training in 36 job roles to over 30,000 retiring soldiers so far.
Vice President's Secretariat
Art unites Hearts: Vice President
Music transcends the conventional boundaries of geography and enriches the quality of lives of people;
Attends Ms. Sooryagayathri's Carnatic Bhajan Concert, Hails her as a child prodigy;
Says that artists like her have a crucial role to play in enriching India's cultural heritage and taking it to the world
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that art unites hearts and added that music transcends the conventional boundaries of geography and it enriches the quality of lives of people.
The Vice President, along with his family members, gave audience to a rendition of classical vocals and bhajans by singer Ms. Sooryagayathri, at Uparashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi today.
Speaking after listening to her Carnatic renditions and recital of Hanuman Chalisa, the Vice President said that it was heartening to see the young and talented singer capture the hearts of music lovers across the globe through her singing talent both on stage and on the internet via YouTube and other platforms.
Shri Naidu said that prodigy musicians like Ms. Sooryagayathri have a noteworthy role to play in enriching the rich and varied cultural heritage of India and in taking it to all corners of the world.
Describing her as a role model, the Vice President said that her dedication, curiosity to learn, her sincere efforts to follow the teachings of her Gurus was inspiring. He expressed confidence that many young people would be inspired to join the fascinating world of Indian musical tradition after listening to Sooryagayatri.
Pointing out that the vast repertory of songs in Indian music has been providing continuous nourishment to the mind, heart, and soul, Shri Naidu said that Indian musicians like late Bharat Ratnas Dr. M.S Subbulakshmi, Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan and many others have given the world a rare menu of soul-stirring musical masterpieces and made it popular around the globe.
Appreciating the GMR Varalkshmi foundation for encouraging Indian traditional art forms, Shri Naidu said that there was an urgent need to preserve, protect and promote Indian culture.
Ms. Sooryagayathri, who hails from the village of Purameri in Vadakara, North Kerala received formal training in Carnatic music from Smt. Anandi and Sri Nishanth. Composer and musician Sri Kuldeep M. Pai has been her mentor both musically and spiritually.
Ms. Soorya Gayathri received several accolades including the M.S. Subbulakshmi fellowship in music at a very tender age of 10 from Mumbai Shanmukhananda Sabha, the Trivandram Kalanidhi Sangeeth Rathna award and Samaj Sakthi Award in 2017 along with her Guru Kuldeep M. Pai, from Hariharaputhra Bhajan Samaj Mumbai.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Bhavina Patel for her performance at Paralympics
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Bhavina Patel for her performance at the Paralympics and conveyed the country's support for her success tomorrow.
The Prime Minister tweeted :
"Congratulations Bhavina Patel! You played excellently.
The entire nation is praying for your success and will be cheering for you tomorrow. Give your best and play without any pressure. Your accomplishments inspire the entire nation. "
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA’S GREETINGS ON THE EVE OF DURGA PUJA
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu in her message on the eve of Durga Puja has said :-
“On the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all the fellow citizens living in India and abroad.
Maa Durga is Shakti Swarupa and this festival is an opportunity to show respect towards women power. A society where women empowerment is encouraged at every level in a true sense, can be considered to be a modern, developed and just society. The nine forms of Goddess Durga symbolize the infinite power of the mother nature.
I wish the spirit of unity and fraternity is strengthened in our society through the festival of Durga Puja. Let us build a society where women are respected more and more and they are able to contribute equally in the process of nation building.
I pray to the Jagat Janani Maa Durga that she bestows her blessings upon all of us and all our countrymen may lead a life of happiness and prosperity”.
Click here to see the President's message.
DS/SKS
(Visitor Counter : 625
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Extended Producer Responsibility guidelines to strengthen circular economy and aid in development of recycling infrastructure for plastic packaging waste
Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today gave the details of plastic waste generated in the country during the last five years as per the Annual Reports of Central Pollution Control Board. The details are given below:
|
|
S. No.
|
|
Year
|
|
Plastic Waste Generated 
|
|
-
|
|
2015-16
|
|
1,589,418
|
|
-
|
|
2016-17
|
|
1,568,714
|
|
-
|
|
2017-18
|
|
660,787
|
|
-
|
|
2018-19
|
|
3,360,043
|
|
-
|
|
2019-20
|
|
3,469,780
The Plastic Waste Management Rules , 2016, provides the statutory framework for management of plastic waste in an environmentally sound manner throughout the country.
In the written reply it was stated that there is no proposal under consideration at present for launching a Production Linked Incentive Scheme  in the biodegradable and recyclable plastics sector. The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, provide the statutory framework for use of compostable plastic conforming to Indian Standard IS: 17088 after certification by Central Pollution Control Board before marketing or selling. As per Plastic Waste Management  Rules, 2022, biodegradable plastics shall conform to the standard notified by Bureau of Indian Standards and certified by Central Pollution Control Board before marketing or selling.
It was stated that keeping in view that unmanaged and littered plastic waste has adverse impacts on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, identified single use plastic items, which have low utility and high littering potential, have already been prohibited, with effect from 1st July, 2022, vide Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021 notified on 12th August 2021. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has also notified the Guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility  for plastic packaging vide Plastic Waste Management  Rules, 2022, on 16th February 2022.
The objective of enforceable obligations of minimum level of recycling of plastic packaging waste under Guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility is to strengthen circular economy of plastic packaging waste and development of recycling infrastructure for plastic packaging waste. Schemes of Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Government of India, are available for technical and financial assistance for development of recycling infrastructure for plastic waste, as per scheme guidelines.
Ministry of Electronics & IT
NICSI signs MoU with Delhi School of Management for R&D management and Consultancy in e-Governance
National Informatics Centre Services Incorporated , a Government of India Enterprise under National Informatics Centre, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology , and Delhi School of Management , Delhi Technological University  signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 24th May, 2022 in the presence of Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Additional Secretary MeitY and Chairman NICSI, Shri Prashant Kumar Mittal, MD NICSI, Dr. Archana Singh. HoD, DSM DTU and Prof P. K. Suri DSM DTU for Research & Development  and Consultancy in area of e-Governance by synergizing resources / capabilities with each other.
Other Senior Officers of MeitY, NICSI and DSM DTU attended the event including Shri Shobhendra Bahadur, Director MeitY and VO NICSI, Smt. Anjali Dhingra, Sr. GM & HoD CEDA NICSI, Shri Ashutosh P. Maurya, DGM NICSI, Shri Sunny Jain, CS NICSI, Prof. P. K. Suri DSM, Prof. Rajan Yadav DSM and Mr. Yashdeep Singh, Assistant Professor, DSM.
On the occasion, Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Additional Secretary MeitY and Chairman NICSI briefed about the vision of MeitY in terms of use of technology for digital transformation for benefit of citizens and effective utilization of resources  by collaborative effort to enhance the efficiency of outcomes. MeitY is working with other Ministries to extend use of technology to facilitate them with understanding of specific domains like agriculture, education, healthcare etc. with problem solving approach in team effort by utilizing knowledge of academicians. This MoU may be helpful to MeitY & DTU ecosystem in coming years by exploration of technology and involvement of students in collaborative ways in maturing new areas like IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain etc. The expertise of DSM in area of management will also facilitate NICSI for development of business strategies and planning.
Shri Prashant Kumar Mittal, MD NICSI briefed about the scope of this MoU between NICSI and DSM DTU and added that this collaboration will be mutually beneficial for both the entities. The students of DSM DTU may explore the utilization of emerging technologies and develop a better understand of the working environment of Government organizations/departments with hands on exposure in area of ICT management and eGovernance. This will also be helpful to the Government in strengthening its internal system with effective better utilization of technology.
Prof. P. K. Suri of DSM DTU has talked about the functioning and activities of DSM DTU in the area of expertise specially in ICT & eGovernance and how this MoU can be beneficial for both the institutions in the long term. Dr. Archana Singh, HOD DSM expressed interest in this collaborative approach for NICSI and DSM including involvement of students in areas of research, data analytics, e-Governance processes and also for conducting of conferences / workshops.
RKJ/M
(Visitor Counter : 1291
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launches website on grant of permission for aerial photography/remote sensing survey
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched Ministry of Defence  No Objection Certificate  web portal www.modnoc.ncog.gov.in for undertaking aerial survey with the final permission of Directorate General of Civil Aviation , here today. Shri Rajnath Singh suggested that internal mechanism should be developed to monitor the time taken to give NOC. The portal will be used by various vendors engaged by State Governments/Public Sector Undertakings/Autonomous bodies in seeking NOC from MoD.
Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar explained the salient features and benefits of the portal, hosted on National Informatics Centre platform. He informed that through this initiative, MoD will be able to considerably reduce the time usually taken in issuing NOC. Among other benefits, this initiative will help in speeding up developmental projects undertaken by various agencies. Further, this will also ensure expeditious disposal of applications for carrying out aerial survey, besides bringing in more transparency and accuracy.
Defence Secretary also requested DGCA to issue suitable notification to all concerned so that the applicants/vendors could submit their applications online on the newly developed web portal of MoD. To facilitate the applicants/vendors, an e-book has also been uploaded on the above web portal.
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria and other senior officials from MoD, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and DGCA were also present on the occasion.
ABB/SS/Nampi/DK/Savvy/MTJ/ADA
(Visitor Counter : 1603
The Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production  are released on 12th of every month  with a six weeks lag and compiled with data received from source agencies, which in turn receive the data from the producing factories/ establishments.
2. For the month of June 2022, the Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production  with base 2011-12 stands at 137.9 The Indices of Industrial Production for the Mining, Manufacturing and Electricity sectors for the month of June 2022 stand at 113.4, 136.3 and 196.9 respectively. These Quick Estimates will undergo revision in subsequent releases as per the revision policy of IIP.
3. As per Use-based classification, the indices stand at 139.2 for Primary Goods, 102.4 for Capital Goods, 147.3 for Intermediate Goods and 148.9 for Infrastructure/ Construction Goods for the month of June 2022. Further, the indices for Consumer durables and Consumer non-durables stand at 123.9 and 145.9 respectively for the month June 2022.
4. Details of Quick Estimates of the Index of Industrial Production for the month of June 2022 at Sectoral, 2-digit level of National Industrial Classification  and by Use-based classification are given at Statements I, II and III respectively. Also, for users to appreciate the changes in the industrial sector, Statement IV provides month-wise indices for the last 12 months, by industry groups  and sectors.
5. Along with the Quick Estimates of IIP for the month of June 2022, the indices for May 2022 have undergone the first revision and those for March 2022 have undergone final revision in the light of the updated data received from the source agencies. The Quick Estimates for June 2022, the first revision for May 2022 and the final revision for March 2022 have been compiled at weighted response rates of 90 percent, 93 percent and 95 percent respectively.
6. Release of the Index for July 2022 will be on Monday, 12th September 2022.
Note: -
- This Press release information is also available at the Website of the Ministry - http://www.mospi.gov.in
- Press release in Hindi follows and shall be available at: https://www.mospi.gov.in/hi/web/mospi/home
Prime Minister's Office
PM addresses All-Party Meeting on Budget Session of Parliament
Govt’s stand on farm laws is the same as it was on 22nd January, and the proposal given by the Agriculture Minister still stands: PM
PM reaffirms the importance of smooth functioning of Parliament
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the All-Party Meeting on Budget Session of Parliament on 30th January, 2021.
Prime Minister paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his Punya Tithi and said that we must strive towards fulfilling his dreams. He also condemned the desecration of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in USA this morning, saying that such an atmosphere of hate is not welcome for our planet.
Prime Minister assured that the government is approaching the issue of farm laws with an open mind. He said that the government's stand is the same as it was on 22nd January, and the proposal given by the Agriculture Minister still stands. He reiterated that the Agriculture Minister is just a phone call away for taking forward the talks.
On references made by the leaders on the unfortunate incident on 26th January, Prime Minister said that the law will take its own course.
Prime Minister said that the government is open to detailed discussion on issues raised by the leaders in the meeting. He reaffirmed the importance of smooth functioning of Parliament and comprehensive debates on the Floor of the House. He added that frequent disruptions mean smaller parties suffer as they can’t express themselves adequately. He said that it is for the bigger parties to ensure that Parliament functions smoothly, there are no disruptions and thus, the smaller parties are able to voice their views in Parliament.
Prime Minister highlighted the role India can play to further global good in many sectors. He referred to the skills and prowess of our people, which can be a force multiplier for global prosperity.
Ministry of Rural Development
Ajay Tirkey, Secretary, DoLR reviewed REWARD Program with World Bank Team
The Secretary, Department of Land Resources , Government of India  Shri Ajay Tirkey reviewed the Implementation Support Mission of World Bank Assisted Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development  program.
REWARD is a World Bank assisted Watershed development program which is being implemented from 2021 to 2026. The Development Objectives of REWARD program is to “Strengthen capacities of National and State institutions to adopt improved watershed management for increasing farmers resilience and support value chains in selected watersheds of participating States”. The program is being implemented to introduce modern watershed practices in the Department of Land Resources in the Ministry of Rural Development and in the States of Karnataka and Odisha. The total budget outlay of REWARD program is USD 167.71 million over a program period of 4.5 years. This includes USD 115 million from World Bank [Karnataka , Odisha  and DoLR ], USD 46.71 million from two participating States [Karnataka  and Odisha ] and USD 6 million from DoLR. The funding pattern is 70:30, between World Bank and States whereas it is 50:50 between World Bank and DoLR.
At the central level, the scope of the REWARD program covers management, monitoring, communication and knowledge sharing functions by DoLR. At the State level, the REWARD program will be contiguous in scope to the WDC-PMKSY 2.0, and support implementation of key science-based activities and demonstrations which eventually aims at synergising broader perspective of WDC-PMKSY 2.0 in other States in India.
As a part of third Implementation Support Mission , the team of World Bank headed by Smt. Preeti Kumar visited DoLR & REWARD States for 3rd ISM to review the progress and to discuss about the plan of action for the next 6 months. After completing the mission, yesterday the team visited Department of Land Resources, Government of India to debrief the outcomes of ISM to the Secretary, DoLR. During the debriefing, the team felt that the progress of REWARD is on track and complemented the efforts of DoLR for the present progress and requested Secretary, DoLR for his continuous support to achieve the progress as per the Disbursement Linked Indicators of the program.
The other points discussed during the debriefing meeting includes strengthening of Centre for Excellence on watershed component which was established in Bengaluru under REWARD program, organizing National level workshop on science based watershed management, development of protocols for expansion of Land Resource Inventory  across the country on a pilot basis, providing LRI based digital advisory services to farmers and Exposure visits of REWARD officials etc.
Shri Nitin Khade, Joint Secretary , Dr. C.P. Reddy, Senior Additional Commissioner, ISM members from World Bank, Experts of NPMU of REWARD program and other officials of DoLR attended the meeting.
Ministry of Power
Total Power Generation from non-fossil fuel sources reaches 39% of total installed capacity
India on its way to achieve sustainable development in power generation
Government of India had set a target of 1,75,000 MW installed capacity from renewable sources by the year 2022 which includes 1,00,000 MW from Solar, 60,000 MW from Wind, 10,000 MW from Biomass and 5000 MW from Small Hydro. As on 30.06.2021, the total capacity of Renewable Energy installed: under installation and under tied was 96.95 GW. This does not include large Hydro, which is also renewable. As on 30.06.2021, the total power generation capacity installed from non-fossil fuel sources was 150.06 GW; which is 39% of the total installed capacity. Therefore, India is well in its way to achieving, and surpassing its nationally determined contribution  target which was 40% capacity by non fossil-fuel sources by 2030.
Further, to promote the renewable energy sources, the following steps have been taken:
- Waiver of inter-State transmission charges on transmission of the electricity generated from the solar and wind sources, for projects to be commissioned upto 30th June 2025.
- Green energy corridors have been developed to evacuate power from the Renewable Energy Sources.
- Renewable Purchase Obligation Trajectory has been notified with the objective of creating renewable power capacity of 175 GW by year 2022.
This information was given by Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri R.K. Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM expresses delight after rising popularity of UPI payments as India reached milestone of 782 Crore UPI Transactions worth ₹12.8 Lakh Crore in Dec 2022
Lauds fellow Indians for embracing digital payments
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has lauded fellow Indians for embracing digital payments as India reached a milestone of 782 Crore UPI Transactions worth ₹12.8 Lakh Crore in Dec 2022.
Sharing a tweet thread by a fintech expert, the Prime Minister tweeted;
“I like how you’ve brought out the rising popularity of UPI. I laud my fellow Indians for embracing digital payments! They’ve shown remarkable adaptability to tech and innovation.